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If you’re experiencing bone pain, it’s normal to be concerned. You may be wondering whether something more serious—like bone cancer—is going on. But while it’s always important to pay attention to your body, bone cancer is rare, and most symptoms of bone cancer are caused by something else.
Still, knowing the potential symptoms of bone cancer can help you recognize when it’s worth checking in with your doctor. Here’s what you need to know.
Cancer in the skeleton can occur in both children and adults and can be grouped into either primary bone cancer or secondary bone cancer.
Primary one cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of a bone. The most common examples of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and chondrosarcoma.
Cancer that starts somewhere else in the body and spreads to the bones is called secondary bone cancer or bone metastasis. The most common types of cancer to result in bone metastasis are breast, lung, prostate, kidney and thyroid.
Primary bone cancer is rare, accounting for much less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed, according to the American Cancer Society. While primary bone cancer is more common in children, secondary bone cancer, or metastasis to the skeleton, is far more common in older adults.
Symptoms of bone cancer can vary depending on where a tumor develops and how large it is. Some people may not notice symptoms right away, while others develop pain or swelling in a particular area. Pain that develops related to a tumor in a bone is usually made worse with activity, or weight-bearing, and is often more prominent at night.
The important thing to remember is that these symptoms aren’t unique to bone cancer. Injuries, arthritis, overuse and other conditions can cause many of the same symptoms. So keep in mind that having one of these symptoms does not mean you have bone cancer.
While the symptoms of bone cancer can vary from person to person and depending on the location of the cancer, here are some of the most common ones.
1. Persistent bone pain
Pain is the most common symptom of bone cancer. It typically occurs in or near the affected bone and may come and go at first before becoming more persistent.
Depending on where the tumor develops, you might notice pain in the arm, leg, hip, pelvis or other part of the body. Pain may also become more noticeable at night or with activity.
That said, bone pain is extremely common and is much more often related to an injury, muscle strain or arthritis.
2. Swelling or a lump
Some bone tumors cause swelling or a noticeable lump near the affected area. It may also feel tender.
For some people, swelling develops after pain has already been present for a while. The location of the swelling depends on which bone is affected.
Keep in mind that a new lump or swelling doesn’t automatically indicate cancer. There are many possible causes, but persistent or unexplained swelling is worth getting checked
3. Bone fracture without an obvious cause
Bone cancer can weaken the affected bone, making it more vulnerable to breaking. Most broken bones have a straightforward explanation, such as a fall, sports injury or accident. A fracture related to a bone tumor may occur after relatively little trauma
4. Unexplained weight loss
Unintentional weight loss can occur with many types of cancer, including bone cancer. But weight loss by itself isn’t a sign of bone cancer. Changes in appetite, stress, lifestyle, illness and other health conditions can also affect your weight.
5. Fatigue
Some people with bone cancer experience significant fatigue or weakness. However, fatigue is a common symptom associated with many health conditions, as well as everyday factors like poor sleep and stress.
If fatigue is new, persistent or difficult to explain, your primary care doctor can help.
6. Numbness or weakness
When a tumor develops near the spine, it can put pressure on nearby nerves. This may cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness, depending on where the tumor is located.
These symptoms have many possible causes, including nerve compression from a herniated disc or other spine conditions. But new or worsening numbness or weakness should be evaluated to figure out the cause.
So, what does bone cancer feel like? There isn’t one specific way that bone cancer feels, so the answer varies from person to person. The most common feeling is pain in or near the affected bone.
Early on, the pain may come and go. It can become more consistent over time and may be worse at night or with activity. Some people also develop swelling or tenderness.
The location of the pain can provide some clues. For example, a tumor affecting a bone in the arm or leg may cause pain around the shoulder, upper arm, thigh or knee. Tumors affecting the pelvis may cause hip or groin pain, while tumors involving the spine can cause back pain and, in some cases, nerve-related symptoms.
However, it’s important to remember that many common conditions and injuries cause pain that feels similar. If your pain doesn’t improve as expected, continues to worsen or is accompanied by swelling, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or another concerning symptom, that’s a good reason to make an appointment with your doctor.
If your child complains of aching legs, you may wonder how to tell if it’s growing pains vs. bone cancer or another serious condition. Rest assured that growing pains are a very common cause of aches and pains in kids.
Growing pains typically cause aching or throbbing in both legs, often in the muscles of the thighs, calves or behind the knees. They usually occur in the evening or at night are gone by morning. Children generally feel well during the day and can enjoy their usual activities.
Bone cancer, on the other hand, can cause persistent pain in or near a bone. They pain may become more frequent or intense over time and you may also notice swelling or tenderness.
As a parent, it’s easy to jump to the worst-case scenario. But most childhood bone pain has a common explanation—whether that’s growing pains, an injury or another common condition. Your pediatrician can help determine whether your child’s pain is normal or something worth looking into.
Fortunately, bone cancer is rare, and most bone pain is caused by something much less serious. However, it’s always a good idea to listen to your body and pay attention to any new or concerning symptoms.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice:
Your doctor can review your symptoms and help determine whether you need additional testing. This may include imaging such as an X-ray or other scans. If an abnormal area needs further evaluation, a biopsy may be the next step.
Here’s the bottom line: you don’t need to panic over every ache or pain. Most bone and joint symptoms have causes that are much more common than cancer.
But if something feels unusual, persistent or like it’s getting progressively worse, getting it checked is the best way to understand what’s going on.
If you’re concerned about your health, speak to a doctor today.
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